they wrote a lot of the health care reform law. thurber estimates $9 billion is spent every year on lobbying and related advocacy, a top lobbyist can make millions the influence of business in washington d.c. is the third largest business after government and tourism. i think there's probably 100,000 people in the industry, not lobbyists specifically but in the industry supporting all of that in washington. >> reporter: and what do clients expect from their lobbyists? we asked gary lauer, ceo of a $150 million california firm called e-health insurance, a website that lets customers shop for health insurance from 180 companies. >> i was interested in getting some lobbyists, a, who had high credibility and, b, who could frankly get some doors open so we could explain what the situation was and what we think the remedy would be. >> reporter: specifically he was seeking to change the rules of health care reform so low-income americans can use government subsidies to buy insurance througcompanies like e-health. lobbyist lanny davis agre